Question

What are the main similarities and differences between DNA and RNA?

Answer 1

1. The organic chemical, which comprises genetic information and instructions for the synthesis of proteins is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
2. The complex compound of high molecular weight, which works in the cellular synthesis of protein and substitutes DNA as a carrier of genetic codes in some viruses is RNA (ribonucleic acid).

The similarities between DNA and RNA:

1. Both the molecules of DNA and RNA are formed of monomers known as nucleotides.
2. Both these molecules possess four nitrogenous bases.
3. Both the molecules of DNA and RNA exhibit a phosphate backbone to which attachment of bases takes place.

The following are the differences between DNA and RNA:

DNA	RNA
1. It is a double-stranded molecule.	1. It is a single-stranded molecule.
2. It is formed of long chains of nucleotides.	2. It is formed of a shorter chain of nucleotides.
3. It is more stable.	3. In the ribose backbone, the hydroxyl groups make the molecule less stable.
4. Sugar is deoxyribose.	4. Sugar part is ribose, exhibiting a hydroxyl group in the 2’ position of the pentose ring.
5. The complementary base pairing of adenine is thymine.	5. The complementary base pairing of adenine is uracil.